As an indispensable key component in electronic devices, circuit boards, like the nervous system of the human body, bear the responsibility of electrical connections and signal transmission between electronic components. According to different characteristics and constructions, circuit boards can be divided into multiple types, each with unique advantages and applicable scenarios.

Classified by layers

Single panel

Single panel is the most fundamental type of circuit board. On this type of circuit board, electronic components are concentrated on one side, while wires only exist on the other side. Due to the fact that wires only appear on one surface, they are called single-sided circuit boards. The production process of single panel is relatively simple and the production cost is also low, which makes it widely used in some products with low requirements for circuit complexity and strict cost control, such as simple remote controls, calculators, etc. However, its disadvantages are also quite obvious. Due to limited wiring space, it is difficult to meet the design requirements of complex circuits and is not suitable for electronic products with diverse functions and complex structures.

Double sided board

Double panel is an extension and upgrade of single panel. When the single-layer wiring of a single panel cannot meet the growing functional requirements of electronic products, double-sided panels have emerged. Both sides of the double-sided board are covered with copper foil and designed with routing, and can be connected to each other through vias to establish the required circuit network connection. Compared to single panels, double-sided panels greatly increase wiring space and can accommodate more complex circuit designs. They are widely used in some moderately complex electronic products, such as ordinary audio devices and small home appliance control boards.

Multi-layer board

Multilayer board refers to a printed circuit board with three or more layers of conductive patterns, which are separated and laminated by insulating materials in the middle, and the conductive patterns are interconnected according to design requirements. Multilayer board is an inevitable product of the development of electronic information technology towards high speed, multifunctionality, large capacity, small volume, thinning, and lightweight. With the continuous strengthening of electronic device functions and the gradual reduction of size, higher requirements have been put forward for the integration and wiring density of circuit boards. Multilayer boards can achieve more complex circuit layouts in limited space, greatly improving the performance and reliability of electronic devices. It is widely used in high-end electronic products such as smartphones, computer motherboards, aerospace electronic equipment, and other fields.

Classified by Characteristics

Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC)

Soft board, also known as Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC), is a type of circuit board made from flexible substrates. It has high bendability, flexibility, and lightweight characteristics, and can freely bend and fold in three-dimensional space, adapting to various complex installation environments. Soft boards are commonly used to connect different components or in scenarios that require dynamic bending, such as display cables for mobile phones, keyboard cables for laptops, etc. They can effectively save space, improve the integration and reliability of electronic devices.

Hardboard (PCB)

Hardboard, commonly known as Printed Circuit Board (PCB), is made of rigid insulation material as the substrate, which has good mechanical strength and stability. It can provide stable support and electrical connections for electronic components, and is widely used in various electronic devices that require high mechanical performance, such as televisions, game consoles, industrial control equipment, etc.

Soft Soft Composite Board (FPCB)

Flexible Printed Circuit Board (FPCB) combines the advantages of both soft and hard boards, providing both flexible and rigid areas on the same circuit board. This type of circuit board can utilize the flexibility of soft boards to achieve flexible wiring and connections, while also providing stable support for electronic components with the rigidity of hard boards. Soft hard integrated boards are commonly used in electronic products that require high spatial layout and performance, such as high-end smartphones, tablets, etc. They can achieve product lightweight and miniaturization while meeting complex circuit design requirements.

The classification of circuit boards is rich and diverse, and each type plays an important role in its respective field. With the continuous advancement of electronic technology, the types and performance of circuit boards are also constantly developing and improving, providing a solid foundation for innovation and upgrading of electronic devices.